Air Pollution - what it means for your health
EXPOSURE TO AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution levels vary from area to area and from day to day. Levels of pollution can be influenced by a number of things:
- local landscape features and surroundings;
- local and regional sources of pollution; and
- seasonal variations and prevailing weather conditions.
For example, the following locations and weather conditions might lead to higher or lower levels of pollution.
Higher pollution |
Lower pollution |
|
Cities/towns in deep valleys |
Cities/towns on hills |
|
In summer, during sunny, still weather, particularly ozone in suburban and rural areas |
Windy or wet weather at any time of year |
|
In winter, in cold, still foggy weather, particularly vehicle pollutants in large cities |
Rural areas away from major roads and factories (for most pollutants except ozone) |
|
Busy roads with heavy traffic next to high buildings and busy road junctions |
Residential roads with light traffic |
|
High levels of solid fuel, e.g. coal and wood, used for heating in the local area |
Smoke control area or areas with high levels of gas or electric used for heating |
Page (HTML version) published 17 November 2002;
Page last modified
3 November, 2006